Tag Archives: time

Ship’s Shore Excursions or Go on my Own?

When selecting a cruise, I search for itineraries with ports of call I have not yet visited.  After making my decision, I research each individual stop on the route for a list of attractions to explore.  I reference travel books and magazines, online resources and compare the information to the outings the ship has to offer.  Depending on the activity, the amount of time and cost for the ship’s excursion, I make my decision to purchase the ship’s tour or reach out to a third party vendor.

So how do I ultimately decide what I will do in each port?  Here are some of the pros and cons of purchasing the shore excursion from the ship or going out on my own.

Purchasing the Ship’s Shore Excursions:

  • The cruise lines have negotiated the attractions and pricing with local, reputable companies in each port, so in most cases, I can count on lower prices and quality day trips.
  • The cruise ship tours will ensure that I am back in plenty of time for the ship’s departure.
  • I have the option to pre-pay for the excursions or pay at the end of the cruise.
  • I will meet fellow passengers on the ship making new friends.
  • In the event of an emergency, the ship will be notified and further action can be taken (i.e., assist in disembarkation, notifying the next of kin).
  • Shore excursions from the ship disembark prior to general disembarkation.

Going out on my own:

  • The ship’s shore excursion may include a stop on their tour that does not interest me, so I can visit the attraction(s) that I prefer and may be able to add another place of interest.
  • I can negotiate my own price, which could possibly be less expensive than the ship’s shore excursion.
  • I have the freedom to take my time at the location I am visiting rather than cutting my visit short, as long as I can make it back to the ship on time.
  • I can choose when to leave and return to the ship (i.e., to eat aboard rather than ashore)

Of course there are other considerations such as how far the ship is docked/anchored from the main attractions, whether I have seen most of the points of interest on previous cruises and what my options are within walking distance of the ship.

I hope these points will provide you with an idea of how to go about making your own decision when deciding on whether to purchase the ship’s shore excursion or going out on your own.   And should you decided to book a third-party tour or explore the port independently, be aware of when you must be back aboard the ship, not the time that the ship is departing!  Bon Voyage!

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Travel Tips for Las Vegas

068 Amazing View of the Paris Hotel

How can you maximize your time and money while visiting Las Vegas?  With so many deals and discounts, I have provided a few suggestions.

  1. If you decide to gamble (either a little, but definitely if a lot), pick up a “rewards” card from the service desk inside of the casino so that you can rack up credits, comps and receive future mailings with deals from the casinos. Some of the deals include free hotel stays, complimentary buffets and discounted entertainment.  If you are gambling with a friend, spouse or significant other, put two cards under one name so the points will accumulate faster.  So how does it work?  When you find a slot machine, put the card in before inserting your money and points will be added to the card as you continue playing.  Remember to remove the card when you have finished playing the machine.  If you happen to forget to remove the card, the service desk within the hotel will gladly provide you with a replacement.   One rewards card may be connected to a network of hotels (i.e., Mlife and Total Rewards) which is also beneficial for adding more points to your card, so keep this in mind when choosing a casino.
  2. During your stay in Vegas you will be approached by numerous show/attraction representatives to book tickets through them. Check with your hotel’s comp desk/rewards desk where you may be able to secure a better rate for show tickets, etc.
  3. If it is your first time to Las Vegas, you should really try to take in the free attractions that are offered by each of the hotels. There are floral displays, water fountain shows, museums and talking statues associated with the theme of a particular resort.  For example, the Bellagio provides a spectacular water show while the Mirage’s volcano erupts at scheduled times throughout the evening.
  4. Most people will tell you that your odds for winning at the slot machines are on Fremont Street.  While this may ring true, we won nearly $500 playing Bier House at the Bellagio.
  5. If you are not pressed for time, take the bus to Fremont Street instead of taking a taxi. You will save money and have unlimited use of the bus for a period of 24 hours for a small fee of $8 per person.
  6. Traffic can be excessive, especially along the Las Vegas Strip, so unless it is absolutely necessary, don’t rent a car.  There are plenty of alternative transportation options available.
  7. We were surprised to learn that Harrah’s offered transportation to the airport.  This service was extremely convenient and cost us the same amount as the Super Shuttle, $10.
  8. Venetian for Breakfast.  We heard that the $9.99 buffet was the best deal in town.  So, when our flight arrived early in the morning, this was our first stop.  Another great breakfast joint was Carlos n’ Charlie’s where we ordered the Charlie’s Breakfast Burrito with scrambled eggs, a special blend of chicken, carne asada and chorizo, Cheddar and Jack cheese and pico de gallo folded in a flour tortilla topped with red sauce and sour cream for only $12.99.  We couldn’t resist the opportunity to eat outside.
  9. When you visit Las Vegas, try to avoid the weekends. Hotel rates are much higher and the streets, casinos and events are crowded!  We learned that many people visit from California because of its close proximity to Vegas.
  10. Drinks are free when you are gambling. So this may not be new to you, but what you may not have known is that you can order top shelf liquor at no additional cost.  Our friends ordered lemon-drop martinis made with limoncello and they were absolutely delicious.

So there you have it…a short list of how to make the most of your stay in Vegas.  If you have any additional tips to add, just leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my experience for saving time, money and resources in Las Vegas and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.